WWYD? & Work vent (long) update 31/1

[tennisfan]

I'm back a work tomorrow after a month off & dreading it. I have been in my current job for almost a year now & don't know what to do. I applied for the job in July 2007 after almost a year of looking for full time work linked to my degree. I didn't really want the job but it got people off my case. The process for the job was long & disorganised, I finally got my assessment in January 2008, I passed all the tests & interviews only to be told that the position didn't exist anymore & was being replaced with a new grade/title. The grade was one lower then the one I applied for & was less money. I stuck with it as I couldn't find anything else. I finally was given a training date for January 2009 but due to be given the wrong info I had to defer for a month due to their mistake.

I passed the training & went about the job starting at a local station whilst I waited for my driving course. I wanted to know where I was going to be based when I finished, I knew by my wage slips but was being told that wasn't true. The day I finished my driving course (some 3 months after training school) I found out they want to base me 40 miles away from where I live (doesn't seem too much but when our shifts are minimum of 12 hours, its far enough) I managed to get closer but i'm not happy where I am. A lot of the people on the station I work at are not friendly or approachable. I had already put in for a transfer to the station close to me & where I started after training school. I'm still waiting to hear about that, I haven't pestered the people but have kept asking every couple of months & getting no response.

The job has annoyed me in that it took them 6 months to start paying me my unsocial pay & this was only when I got on there case about it. Another annoying thing is I have found out I have to do an assessment & because i'm being taken off the road I have to make my hours up. Is this fair? The major sticking point is that the new grade has no career pathway (another words this is it) can't be promoted. Also still waiting to have my contract given to me some 6 months on too

I have been crewed up with someone i'm struggling to get on with beleive me I have tried, we are total opposites & when you with them for the length of time of the shifts its hard work. I'm quite quiet, tidy, organised etc whereas my crewmate is very loud & just keeps talking for the sake of it & is very untidy. I know it sounds trivial when I put it in on here. By the sounds of it she has been through several crew mates which is nearly unheard of in the service unless something is wrong.

What I would like is to change partners but not sure how I could do this with out the other person finding out.

It seems that i'm going backwards, I graduated in 2006 but doing a job that requires no degree but I get little or no respect from some of my colleagues. I have spoken to a couple of people I work with & they all say to get out or at least go to another area which will give me pathways as they think i'm wasted in this job.

I have also found out that I don't earn enough to be given a decent ennough mortgage to be able to buy my own place to live. I have saved a fair bit but it is no where near what I need for a deposit. Don't get me wrong my parents are throwing me out but I would like to have my own place & have set out goals to acheive this.

Don't get me wrong I appreciate & very lucky to have a job when others are struggling. I'm just at a crossroads & stuck

Thanks for letting me vent, sorry for going on too

 

[natalielongstaff]

to you hun

I can sympathise with a lot of your comments, it seems to me that the best thing you can do is to up your search for a new job/position....im afraid in the current job market that may not be an easy task and you may have to accept that any job is better than none for the time being xx

 

[gemmybear83]

Yes I agree, I would think about the positives - do you find the job rewarding? What aspects do you enjoy (and are there other jobs out there with the tasks you enjoy?). Try to stay positive, I sympathise with your points but stay it will all work out in the long term.

 

[wilma-bride]

Oh my goodness, Nikki, it sounds dreadful. IIRC you're an ambulance technician, aren't you? Surely there must be some kind of rules regarding you not having to travel too far for your shift when you must be tired at the end of it. Is there anyone you can speak to in your HR department? It sounds to me like there are several smaller issues which, if some of them were resolved, might make things easier for you. My advice would be to start with the things you are least happy with, one of them being your partner - it's no fun being with someone for that amount of time if you really don't get on with them. I struggle with one of the people I work with and I am only there 5 hours a day.

I completely understand how being in a job you are not enjoying can make you miserable (and, in my case, not just me but my poor family as well ) but can't offer more advice than to try and sort out the smaller things first. Just don't do anything drastic as at least it is a job when all is said and done.

As far as the mortgage is concerned, have you thought about (if you qualify for) a shared ownership type of thing, just to get you on the ladder at least

As far as your partner at work is concerned, although I know it's difficult, you could perhaps try talking to her about the things which are making you unhappy. You never know, she might be finding some of your little ways as annoying as you're finding hers. And if you really can't sort things out, don't worry or feel guilty about asking ot change partners - not everyone can get on after all.

Good luck with it all hun

 

[Chilly]

Do you have a union? I am not really a fan of unions but in this case I think that is who you need to see.

Yes they can ask you to make up the hours.

 

[disney_princess_85]

I'm afraid I don't really have any advice to offer you but I just want to say I understand. Good luck.

 

[tennisfan]

Thanks everyone

Yes I agree, I would think about the positives - do you find the job rewarding? What aspects do you enjoy (and are there other jobs out there with the tasks you enjoy?). Try to stay positive, I sympathise with your points but stay it will all work out in the long term.

I sometimes find the job rewarding which helps. I enjoy treating people which is why I did a degree in sports rehabilitation

Oh my goodness, Nikki, it sounds dreadful. IIRC you're an ambulance technician, aren't you? Surely there must be some kind of rules regarding you not having to travel too far for your shift when you must be tired at the end of it. Is there anyone you can speak to in your HR department? It sounds to me like there are several smaller issues which, if some of them were resolved, might make things easier for you. My advice would be to start with the things you are least happy with, one of them being your partner - it's no fun being with someone for that amount of time if you really don't get on with them. I struggle with one of the people I work with and I am only there 5 hours a day.

I completely understand how being in a job you are not enjoying can make you miserable (and, in my case, not just me but my poor family as well ) but can't offer more advice than to try and sort out the smaller things first. Just don't do anything drastic as at least it is a job when all is said and done.

As far as the mortgage is concerned, have you thought about (if you qualify for) a shared ownership type of thing, just to get you on the ladder at least

As far as your partner at work is concerned, although I know it's difficult, you could perhaps try talking to her about the things which are making you unhappy. You never know, she might be finding some of your little ways as annoying as you're finding hers. And if you really can't sort things out, don't worry or feel guilty about asking ot change partners - not everyone can get on after all.

Good luck with it all hun

Thanks Joh, I work for the ambulance service but not as a techinician, this has been replaced with another grade which is what I now do (cheaper labour!)

There used to be rules when it was one county about how far you travel but since they joined up with other counties that no longer exists. At one point a girl was working in Kent & living in Sussex about 1.5 hour drive each way, she stuck it out for the year it took them to transfer her

HR wouldn't be much help TBH as they will just dismiss anything or pass the buck like they do now.

I have looked at keyworker housing but there isn't many near where I currently live & the ones in my price range are usually snapped up straightaway

Do you have a union? I am not really a fan of unions but in this case I think that is who you need to see.

Yes they can ask you to make up the hours.

I'm a member of a union but they are so busy trying to sort out several issues with the service as a whole, I doubt it would get me anywhere, they are aware of the major issues that our grade have but are restricted to what they can do.

I appreciate all the advice, I think if I got my transfer to where I want I would be happier as the people are totally different, I did a shift there just before christmas & enjoyed it. I think the biggest stumbling block for me is now knowing (we wasn't told this during training) there is no career pathway so no progress can be made until they change it which is not going to happen anytime soon. Its sort of a deadend job.

I have found out today that i'm not the only one who has a problem/doubt about this. A few people I trained with are saying the same thing on Facebook today.

I'm not going to quit without at least having something else lined up but i'm really going to try & push my transfer through

 

[Chilly]

Be careful what you say on FB.

 

[higgy66]

Is there another role within the Ambulance service you could do that would lead to advancement?

Do you have annual appraisels? This is where you should be able to talk about all these issues and also discuss your future. I would have thought the ambulance service would have something in place like this?

On the other hand - If you don't feel that strongly about the job I would stick it out while concentrating all your efforts on finding another job that you really want. I personally think that even if you go for something totally different (not sure what your degree is in?) when it came to CV and job interview this job would definitely look good.

I think it takes on average 6 - 7 years after leaving Uni for a person to find a role that they want - many take jobs while searching for a career.

Can't offer any advise regarding your partner other than a gag!

All the best and Good Luck

 

[tennisfan]

Be careful what you say on FB.

I'm always careful what I say, I personally rarely say anything about my job on there & the person who mentioned it on their page is only that they want to advance but have no options

Is there another role within the Ambulance service you could do that would lead to advancement?

Do you have annual appraisels? This is where you should be able to talk about all these issues and also discuss your future. I would have thought the ambulance service would have something in place like this?

On the other hand - If you don't feel that strongly about the job I would stick it out while concentrating all your efforts on finding another job that you really want. I personally think that even if you go for something totally different (not sure what your degree is in?) when it came to CV and job interview this job would definitely look good.

I think it takes on average 6 - 7 years after leaving Uni for a person to find a role that they want - many take jobs while searching for a career.

Can't offer any advise regarding your partner other than a gag!

All the best and Good Luck

Thanks With the ambulance service I work for they did what was done nationally & stopped the Technician recruitment/role & replaced it with a lesser grade meaning that there is no advancement to that grade currently & for the near future. Many other services around the country realised this wasn't going to work so retrained the lesser grade to Technicians. The service I work for aren't going to admit it hasn't worked so will stick with it as its cheaper.

I was meant to have my appraisal before christmas but it fell through & as of yet hasn't been rearrange, I plan to bring up some of the problems I have whenever that may be.

My degree is in Sports therapy, health & fitness so it covers a wide area. The problem is finding enough work. I do the physio for a local football club which is quite good pay but not enough to live on. I know my current job will look good on my CV when the time comes

 

[Lizzybear]

I sympathise... I graduated in 2008 and still feel I haven't found my place. I'm currently on a long-term contract at a children's centre which I really enjoy plus it's excellent experience but would really prefer something permanent, just can't seem to get one that isn't working minimum wage for some soulless nursery chain (been there, done that )
Keep up the job search whilst working (unless it's really affecting your health I wouldn't quit a full-time job, it looks better to future employers if you're in one and keeps you in the routine of working), I know it can be discouraging especially when you have one fruitless interview after another but you never know when the right role will come up

 

[wideeyes]

I would look into other job options while working, and hopefully you can find something better.

I sympathise... I graduated in 2008 and still feel I haven't found my place. I'm currently on a long-term contract at a children's centre which I really enjoy plus it's excellent experience but would really prefer something permanent, just can't seem to get one that isn't working minimum wage for some soulless nursery chain (been there, done that )

I just spent 3 months in one of those chains, it was a trying frustrating experience. Mainly the staff who were in the wrong job, I loved working with the children however dealing with the staff and just witnessing them made me feel sick. Even my uni supervisor said she was surpised I didn't quit when she came in.

 

[Lizzybear]

I just spent 3 months in one of those chains, it was a trying frustrating experience. Mainly the staff who were in the wrong job, I loved working with the children however dealing with the staff and just witnessing them made me feel sick. Even my uni supervisor said she was surpised I didn't quit when she came in.

I found the staff working with the children were a mixed bag, a lot of the teams including the baby room one were made up of all 16-18 year olds and while most of them had enthusiasm and a lot of potential I think you also need someone more experienced in the room to provide leadership and be a good role model. The management... Well, lets just say i'm glad to not be working there anymore

 

[jharrowell]

I haven't any advice but I do sympathise as I'm in the same boat.

I'm a IT Professional and Web Developer with several years (15 years +) experience but due to my geographical location and the economy I'm currently paying the bills as a Security Guard!

You just gotta look for the positives and hang on until things pick up and you can get to where you want to be.

 

[Ware Bears]

Sending you Nikki, I do sympathise and hope things improve for you soon.

 

[tennisfan]

Thanks for the support guys & for letting me vent

I had a bit of a rubbish week at work in that all bar one of the 6 shifts I worked I finished late & the one I finished on time we didn't get a meal break in the 12 hour shift

On the upside though I have got my transfer I wanted to a closer station, this is happening the end of March & I can't wait

Although its not in writing I have heard there are plans to allow us to progress to Paramedics, we are trying to get them to implement this faster then they plan to.

Also I worked a shift with a different person this week as my crew mate had a couple of days leave & was pleased to find out she felt the same as I did when I 1st joined this current station in that no one makes you feel welcome etc. So i'm glad it wasn't just me imagining things etc. I don't know why they are like that.

Another good thing came up this week in that my manager doesn't want me to transfer but can understand my reasons for wanting to (costs & time) he also was pleased with how I work & to continue this, its nice to get a bit of feedback as I haven't had this from the higher up people

So things are slowly beginning to look up but I will still look out in case another interesting job comes up

 

[natalielongstaff]

glad you had a more positive week

 

[mandymouse]

I'm so pleased that you've got the transfer that you wanted and that you've had positive comments from your manager

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

Glad you got your transfer Nikki, hopefully things will continue to improve for you

 

[wideeyes]

glad you are having a better time. Hope things continue to get better.